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to run down
[phrase form: run]
01
to use up all of one's energy, especially to the point of stopping or ceasing to function
Transitive: to run down sb
Example
Continuous stress can run you down and lead to health problems.
The busy schedule ran her down, and she needed a good night's sleep.
The demanding workload at the office can quickly run you down if you do n't take breaks.
02
to injure or kill by knocking someone or something down and passing over their body, as with a vehicle
Transitive: to run down sb/sth
Example
The reckless driver nearly ran the pedestrian down at the crosswalk.
Unfortunately, a bicyclist was run down by a speeding truck on the highway.
The child's ball rolled into the street, and a car almost ran it down.
03
to speak negatively about someone or something in a way that makes them seem inferior or weak
Transitive: to run down sb/sth
Example
She ran down the new policy, questioning its effectiveness during the meeting.
Please do n't run down your colleagues; it's essential to maintain a positive work environment.
The critics ran down the movie, citing poor scriptwriting and lackluster performances.
04
to investigate the details or origins of something
Transitive: to run down details of something
Example
The detective needed to run down the leads to solve the case.
She decided to run down the source of the mysterious phone calls.
The auditor had to run down the discrepancies in the financial records.
05
to quickly assess something with little time or attention
Transitive: to run down sth
Example
She ran down the list of items before leaving the house.
Let's run down the key points of the presentation before the conference.
Running down the details, she highlighted the main findings of the research.
06
to chase with the intention of capturing or apprehending
Transitive: to run down sb
Example
The police officer ran down the suspect through the crowded streets.
She ran the criminal down and made an arrest after a brief pursuit.
Please run the fugitive down quickly before they escape.
07
to reduce the quantity or resources of something
Transitive: to run down a resource or its quality
Example
The constant use of the equipment ran down its efficiency over time.
Let's not run the supplies down; we need to order more for the project.
The excessive demand for the product ran down the available stock quickly.
08
to operate a machine or device until it stops working because of a lack of power or energy
Transitive: to run down a machine or device
Example
He ran down the battery of his smartphone by constantly using it without recharging.
Please do n't run down the camera; it needs to be recharged for tomorrow's event.
The constant use ran down the laptop, prompting the need for a recharge.
run down
01
tired, exhausted or in a weakened state due to overwork or illness
